Football
Most Important Illini Football Games in 2024
The Fighting Illini have a tough schedule in 2024, and to go bowling, these are the most important games for Illini Football to win

The Best for Last
The 2024 Illini Football team is driven to be back in a bowl game, and to do so, they must be ready for the most important stretch of games on their schedule.
Bret Bielema’s crew faces a tough, yet winnable road ahead. Of course, it is dependent largely on where they have improved or regressed since 2023. To make things very interesting, the Illini do have to face off against the likes of Penn State, Michigan, and Oregon smack dab in the middle of the season. However, Illinois ends the year with what will go down as an extremely important 4-game stretch for the program. Certainly, not only important for Bret Bielema’s staff but, for the future of sustainability as the NCAA continues to evolve into a “dog eat dog” environment.
Can Illinois Football get to 6 wins? Here’s how they can.

Sep 8, 2023; Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Crucial 4-Game Stretch
Illini Football Schedule – 2024
8/28 vs Eastern Illinois
9/7 vs Kansas
9/14 vs Central Michigan
9/20 @ Nebraska
9/28 @ Penn State
10/12 vs Purdue
10/19 vs Michigan
10/26 @ Oregon
11/2 vs Minnesota
11/16 vs Michigan State
11/23 @ Rutgers
11/20 @ Northwestern (Wrigley Field – Chicago, IL)
The Illini round out the 2024 season against Minnesota, Michigan State, @ Rutgers, and @ Northwestern. Certainly, all winnable games for Illinois, barring injuries, or an all-out meltdown. If Illinois is warming up to their fullest potential, they will be able to have a chance to secure a bowl game during these final 4 games of the season. The goal would be to win 3 of 4 at minimum, and if Bielema’s crew can make that happen, the postseason will be within reach.
Prior to Then
Eastern Illinois and Central Michigan must be guaranteed wins in weeks 1 and 3 for the Illini.
Moving forward through the schedule, Nebraska and Purdue are certainly winnable, but, with a catch. Matt Rhule has a lot of positive buzz surrounding Nebraska Football going into 2024, with many outlets predicting 7-8 wins for the Huskers. Purdue, led by former Illini DC Ryan Walters, put a beat down on Illinois in 2023, winning 44-19 in West Lafayette. The Boilermakers have won all 4 of their last matchups vs Illinois, and have been a thorn in the side of the program. The Fighting Illini lost both matchups in 2o23, but, have an opportunity to turn the page. If they can do so, Bielema’s crew could be looking at a winnable 4-game stretch, with 3-4 wins already under their belt.
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